Journal entry by Madeline Shirey —
Maddie!!!! Its been a month girl! Where are you? Are you ok? Whats up?
Lots of things. Honestly my format has kinda bit me. Usually when Im experiencing something "new and exciting, I wait to post on it until it's finished. Thats not going to work this time. So with that said, lets jump right in and catch you up.
About a month ago, as you may remember, I had a bowl blockage that was just miserable, but was eventually able to clear it and go back to eating. Which was awesome.
Well, it WAS awesome. For like a day or two, and then suddenly we were right back where we were. The difference this time though was that no matter how hard I tried, nothing worked. Fast forward about 3 weeks and Im pretty much a bile fountain. 100% do not recommend. Last Friday (not today/yesterday), I was finally admitted in through the ER to try and clear everything out.
They tried all sorts of things as well, but nothing was working. Sooo we scheduled an exploratory laparotomy.
The morning of the surgery, we were all in good spirits. They put me to sleep, and dove in.
Finding the exact thing they had hoped not to find, turns out, my small intestine is eaten up with cancer, and thats why its not working. =(
Skipping the drama, the doctors basically gave me two options.The first, was that they sent off a lot of tissue looking for a treatable cancer type, in hopes that. by treating it, the tumors would shrink and Id get by bowl usage back. Kind of a hail marry, as we cant even be sure whatever they find would help.
The other option, is accepting my fate and going to hospice. If I do that, I have approx 4-8 weeks to live. Not exactly how I had hoped this trip to the hospital would go.
Not a lot of time at all... sigh.
Im not giving up yet. But based on the results of that testing... we shall see.
Lots of things. Honestly my format has kinda bit me. Usually when Im experiencing something "new and exciting, I wait to post on it until it's finished. Thats not going to work this time. So with that said, lets jump right in and catch you up.
About a month ago, as you may remember, I had a bowl blockage that was just miserable, but was eventually able to clear it and go back to eating. Which was awesome.
Well, it WAS awesome. For like a day or two, and then suddenly we were right back where we were. The difference this time though was that no matter how hard I tried, nothing worked. Fast forward about 3 weeks and Im pretty much a bile fountain. 100% do not recommend. Last Friday (not today/yesterday), I was finally admitted in through the ER to try and clear everything out.
They tried all sorts of things as well, but nothing was working. Sooo we scheduled an exploratory laparotomy.
The morning of the surgery, we were all in good spirits. They put me to sleep, and dove in.
Finding the exact thing they had hoped not to find, turns out, my small intestine is eaten up with cancer, and thats why its not working. =(
Skipping the drama, the doctors basically gave me two options.The first, was that they sent off a lot of tissue looking for a treatable cancer type, in hopes that. by treating it, the tumors would shrink and Id get by bowl usage back. Kind of a hail marry, as we cant even be sure whatever they find would help.
The other option, is accepting my fate and going to hospice. If I do that, I have approx 4-8 weeks to live. Not exactly how I had hoped this trip to the hospital would go.
Not a lot of time at all... sigh.
Im not giving up yet. But based on the results of that testing... we shall see.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Madeline Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Madeline's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
